Head of Plant Engineering

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Hermann Oak Leather is seeking an experienced, hands-on Head of Plant Engineering to lead our facility’s engineering, maintenance, and capital improvement efforts. This role is responsible for owning projects from cradle to grave—from identifying needs and defining scope through budgeting, bidding, execution, and completion. The Head of Plant Engineering will manage the maintenance team, the Plant Engineer, the Reliability Engineer, and the Night Watchmen, ensuring that both day-to-day operations and long-term capital investments support safe, efficient, and reliable production.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Identify opportunities for facility upgrades, equipment replacements, and process improvements.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
• Solicit and evaluate bids; select and manage contractors and vendors.
• Oversee all phases of project execution, including installation, commissioning, and handoff to operations.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to required quality and safety standards.
• Report regularly on project status, risks, and outcomes to leadership.
  
  

Leadership and Supervision

• Directly manage the Maintenance Supervisor and team, Plant Engineer, Reliability Engineer, and Night Watchmen.
• Set clear priorities for preventive and corrective maintenance across the facility.
• Oversee staffing, performance management, and development of direct reports.
• Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Plant Reliability and Infrastructure

• Ensure equipment uptime, building integrity, and critical utilities (water, air, steam, power) are maintained for production.
• Lead efforts to improve reliability and reduce downtime through root cause analysis and preventive strategies.
• Oversee equipment life cycle planning and spare parts strategies.
• Collaborate closely with operations to align maintenance and engineering priorities with production needs.
  
  

Purchasing and Budgeting

• Manage capital and maintenance budgets.
• Purchase major equipment and materials for facility upgrades and repairs.
• Negotiate with vendors to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
  
  

About Us

Hermann Oak Leather Company is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty vegetable tanned leathers in the world. This 5th generation family-owned manufacturing company was founded in 1881 in St. Louis and supplies unique quality leathers world-wide. We are the market leader, known for our integrity, high quality, and customized veg-tanned leathers. We feel the responsibility of caring for our customers and our employees and are committed to serving them beyond their expectations.

Salary & Benefits

The Company offers a salary commensurate with proven experience and excellent company benefits. Hermann Oak Leather is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in engineering or plant operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing capital projects from concept to completion.
• Strong knowledge of facility maintenance, mechanical equipment, and industrial safety.
• Skilled in vendor management, budgeting, and cross-functional team coordination.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial processing, or a similar heavy-industry setting.
  
  

Skills And Competencies

• Hands-on, practical problem-solver with strong mechanical aptitude.
• Clear communicator with strong planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead teams and projects with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Committed to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in process design software like AutoCAD preferred.